All over social media, NBA fans came together to remember the legacy of basketball legend Kobe Bryant. Today, several NBA legends joined the trend to celebrate what would have been his 46th birthday.
“Happy heavenly birthday to the 5x NBA Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, Oscar and Academy Award Winner, and my friend Kobe Bryant! We all miss you, but your legacy lives on with us forever,” wrote Magic Johnson on X.
Bryant is a basketball legend who passed away after a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of 9 people. Every year, on his birthday, the sports world makes it a point to commemorate his life and career.
As another Lakers legend, it’s no surprise that Magic Johnson joined this trend and his kind words about Bryant reflected the relationship they had when Kobe was alive.
Dwyane Wade also had something to say, and he used one of Kobe’s own quotes to wish the late Lakers legend a happy birthday. As a former backcourt star himself, Wade had many battles with Bryant and they had mutual respect.
Happy Birthday Bean 🐍🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Y5l3J8ZV04
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) August 23, 2024
In their tribute to Kobe, the Lakers called him their “heart and soul” in a touching post to their community on social media.
Los Angeles' heart & soul — Happy Birthday Kobe 💜 pic.twitter.com/L2FQY0cex9
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 23, 2024
Just like Wade and Magic, Kobe’s career was defined by his passion for the game and the legendary work ethic that inspired millions of his fans to work hard for their dreams. His legacy transcended the game itself and even athletes from other sports took the time today to pay homage to No. 24 on his special day.
Jack Flaherty pulled up to the Dodgers game wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey
Today would've been Bryant's 46th birthday 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/cfNhc1Pjy0
— MLB (@MLB) August 23, 2024
Kobe Bryant, who played for 20 years in the NBA, wasn’t just known as a basketball superstar. He was one of the most iconic athletes in American history and a role model for countless young players around the world. He reached hero status in Los Angeles and he’s held in the highest regard there even years after his passing.
The NBA Hall of Famer began his career as a teenager straight out of Lower Merion High School. He was drafted by the Lakers 13th overall in 1996 and quickly worked his way up to become a leader of the team both on the court and in the locker room.
Over 20 seasons, Bryant averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game on 44.7% shooting. He retired in 2016 as an 18x All-Star, 15x All-NBA player, and 5x champion. He’s the 4th highest scorer in NBA history with a total of 33,643 points in his career.
Over NBA history, there aren’t many players as impactful or as beloved as Kobe Bryant. He was a winner in every sense and inspired countless people to strive for the best. It’s quite sad that the NBA champ isn’t around to share his wisdom anymore but through players like Magic and Wade (along with millions of fans), Bryant’s legacy will be preserved and his philosophy on life will be celebrated.
The best thing that the Lakers can do to honor his memory now is to stay competitive in the West and bring further glory to the franchise. Even at 39 years old, LeBron James puts the Lakers in a position to do just that next season and he’ll be working overtime to put together a run that would make Kobe himself beam with pride.
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